by J. H. Hayes
Dizon raised his hand and slapped him. It wasn't a powerful slap for Dizon, but it nearly knocked the Kebar over. When he straightened, Dizon poked him in the chest again, somewhat harder. When he still refused to answer, Dizon raised his fist and brought it down into the boy's jaw. The young man crumpled to the floor as if he were a child, blood dripping down the side of his chin. Dizon picked him up with his left arm and by his neck, lifted him off his feet. He drew his fist back once more, now more animatedly, to let the young Kebar know what was coming. Still, the Kebar refused to give his name and Dizon again slammed his fist into his mouth. More blood splattered across his face and onto the mud-brick wall.
Dizon picked him up and brought his fist up yet again, but Azerban had seen enough. "Dizon, that's enough. Let him down," he said.
Dizon obeyed and stepped back. He seemed relieved. Apparently, beating a defenseless boy senseless wasn't the kind of fight he enjoyed, even if it was a Kebar.
"Asek, we don't need his name. Ask him why they attacked us,” Azerban said. “But first tell him there will be no more beatings if he answers our questions. Explain to him we don't understand why they attacked. We want to know what we did to anger them."
Asek sighed. "That's a lot to tell him, Ta'araki. It's been long since I last spoke their words."
"Do your best, my friend," Azerban encouraged.
Asek started slowly, struggling to draw the correct words from his memory. The Kebar had little interest in him, but his attention picked up as Asek continued slowly uttering individual words. Azerban guessed he sounded much like an infant to the young man. When he’d finished, the Kebar stared at him for a long moment, contemplating whether or not he wanted to answer. Finally, he spoke. It was a short string of words.
"What did he say, Asek?" Takur asked, leaning in closer.
"He said he wants us to leave..." Asek answered, "I think."
Sakon let out a cracking laugh, "Of course the boy wants us to leave. I'd want us to leave too, if my son had just beaten me bloody."
"Tell him we'll let him be when he answers our questions, Asek. Ask him again," Takur directed.
Asek addressed the young man a second time, the forgotten words coming a little easier now. The Kebar shook his head and answered, raising his voice. He waved his arm, indicating all the men in the room, and swatted them away, as one would a flock of tiny flying insects.
"He said we need to go... We need to leave..." Asek translated.
Azerban was growing as impatient as the rest. He began to tell Asek to ask the question in a different way, using different words, but another idea came to him. "Asek, ask him if he means us... us in this shelter. Or all of us. All of the Natu."
"What do you mean, Ta'araki? I don't understand what you're asking," Asek replied.
Takur was quick to catch on though and added, "Very clever, Azerban. Perhaps you're not understanding his words, Asek. Perhaps he's not saying we should leave him alone. But that they want all of us, the Natu, to leave this place. To abandon this area and go somewhere else."
"But that would mean-"
"I know what it would mean, Asek. Just ask him," Takur commanded.
Asek sighed, thinking for a moment before beginning. When he was done, the Kebar was nodding his head vigorously, shouting two words over and over. Azerban knew one of the words and thought he understood the other. "Natu, leave! Natu, leave!"
Azerban straightened. "That's enough, Asek. Tell him we understand now." He looked to Takur with a grim expression and then the other men in the room. "This explains the attack. They mean to drive us from these lands."
Takur looked uncharacteristically bleak, but said nothing.
Sakon spoke, "Why? How can they expect us to leave? Why don't they leave if they don't like us? My grandfather's grandfathers hunted these hills, slept under these stars. My grandsons will too!" he ended defiantly.
"I agree," Dizon said. "There can be no appeasement, no discussions. What choice do we have, except to drive them away? Or exterminate them if they won't leave."
"How could we do that?" Hadir asked. "They are a numerous people. There are many Kebar camps spread over vast lands. They might even outnumber us."
"We are superior. We wouldn't need their numbers," Dizon argued. "The Ta'ar came to us, not them."
"And we would kill all of them? Not only their men, but their women? And their children too?" Hadir asked. His repulsion to Dizon's argument was evident. Azerban was impressed with his response, as he bravely stood his ground in the face of the intimidating warrior.
"And their dogs," Dizon spat back at him.
Takur interrupted Hadir before he had a chance to respond. "These are difficult questions. The Ta'araki will need to meditate on them. Clearly, there is nothing we can do now, with winter upon us. Even if we decided we must rid these lands of the Kebar, Boar Camp could not achieve this alone. All the Natu camps would have to join in. Go back to your hearths, but keep these discussions to yourselves. It will do Boar Camp no good to spend the winter worrying about the Kebar. Instead ready your hearths for our trek to Winter Camp. We leave in four suns."
"What are we to do with the Kebar then?" Dizon asked. "Surely, we won't drag him to Winter Camp? And feed him all winter?"
"What do you suggest, Dizon?" Hadir asked.
"Kill him. Leave his body to the vultures. I'll bring his head to the Kebar lands myself. It's a better death than he deserves."
"I agree," Sakon said, backing his son.
"I don't," Hadir objected. "We should take him back to the Kebar alive. Perhaps the gesture will appease them in some way."
"Appease them? Why should we?" Dizon spat at him again. A large vein in his head throbbed violently. "They will think us weak. And attack again."
"Perhaps we can change their minds," Hadir answered. "We don't even know why they want us to leave. Or if they all feel the same. Perhaps the boy's opinions are not shared so adamantly by his elders."
Azerban was looking at his acolyte with heightened respect, remarking not only at his courage, but at his ability to analyze the situation and argue so rationally.
Dizon however wasn't impressed. "Perhaps!? Perhaps!?" he roared. "Then why are they attacking us? We know what they want! The boy told us. There can be no peace, no changing minds!"
Takur stepped between the two men, laying his hand on Dizon's chest. "We will discuss this matter further before we make our decision," he said. "It can wait until later. For now, we’ll keep him alive. I grow weary. You're all dismissed. Secure him before you take him away."
---
Azaria sat next to her mother, grinding wheat grains inside a mortar. It had always been tedious, laborious work, but she was having more trouble than usual concentrating and the work was progressing far too slowly for her liking. The object of her distraction was obvious. She'd been quietly watching her father while she ground the wheat into a powdery form, wondering if his apprehension was due only to the recent Kebar attack. Ever since he'd returned from his meeting the previous evening he'd been preoccupied, even more than normal. He'd not been able to sit still, was constantly getting up to walk outside before returning a few moments later. Although she'd prepared a midsun snack for him quite a while ago, he'd barely touched it.
“Father, would you like some tea?” she offered, thinking he could use something to calm his nerves.
"Huh? Tea... No, Azaria," he replied.
Just then a man burst through the entrance flaps without bothering to announce himself, an act widely considered offensive. Azaria recognized him as the young hunter who'd watched over her during the attack. "Azerban! Azerban!"
"What is it, Seto?" Azerban asked, his annoyance evident in his harsh tone.
"The Kebar!" Seto answered. He must have then realized how disrespectful he'd just been. "Forgive me, Ta'araki. I didn't mean to-"
"Forget it, boy! What about the Kebar? Another attack?"
"No, Ta'araki! They say they come in peace. There are only three o
f them. They're being escorted to Ta'araki's shelter now."
Azerban raised himself and quickly changed into his formal Ta'araki wear. "Your trespass is forgiven, Seto," he said as he tore his tunic off, "considering the circumstances. Have Asek and Sakon been called?"
"Yes, Ta'araki."
"Good. Then go inform Hadir. Tell him to make himself appropriate and to meet me at Ta'araki's shelter. And be sure to announce your presence before you barge into his hearth."
"Of course, Ta'araki. Right away."
Azerban kissed his mate and daughter. "Forgive me if I miss the evening meal. Azaria, will you find Quzo and bring him here? I’d feel better knowing his whereabouts with the Kebar here."
"Of course, father."
Moments later Azerban found himself making his way to an important meeting for the second sun in a row. Unlike the previous evening however, he had no idea how this one would proceed. Passing several hunters acting as guards on his way in, he arrived to find three foreign, albeit familiar enough men standing proudly, yet respectfully in front of Takur. Asek and Sakon had already arrived and were standing on either side of him. Azerban nodded to the Kebar men, and then stood off to the side. Hadir, came rushing over a moment later, breathing hard and looking somewhat disheveled.
"Good, everyone is arrived," Takur said. "It seems we have quite an evening in front of us." Azerban wasn't the only one to find his flippancy offputting.
"Our visit can be brief, if you choose."
Azerban looked over to the three Kebar, astounded one of them spoke his words so well. The voice had a raspy quality to it and he guessed it belonged to the older man standing in the middle. He was somewhat frail, but looked as though there was still some vigor in him. His dark hair was cropped very close to the scalp. The large, bushy-haired man next to him smiled at the reaction of the Natu. Clearly he had enjoyed their startled reaction. The younger man standing on the other side kept his face expressionless. His facial qualities and stature resembled the second man’s. Azerban decided he must be his son. He carried a large, bulging bag with him.
"You speak our words well," Takur said, the first to regain his composure. "Your civility honors us."
The Kebar nodded. Azerban couldn't tell if he recognized Takur meant it as a slight.
When it became clear the man would not take his bait, Takur continued, "I must admit however, to being astonished you dare come here in false peace after attacking us?"
Again, the Kebar remained unperturbed. He answered in a quiet, but confident voice. "None of your people were killed. We have come to gather what is ours."
"Did you? And what would we possibly want with something of yours?" Takur replied. Azerban thought it was a poor attempt at a lie. Fahim was so much better at this. He laughed to himself, having seen the irony in only now realizing this fact. But would the other man detect the falsehood? Whether he did or not, it was obvious the Kebar, with his lingual talent and calm resolve, had set Ta'araki off-balance. It should’ve been the other way around.
"We know you have our hunter. We would like him back," the Kebar leader said.
Takur continued with his deceit. "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about."
"You have him and he is alive. My men have seen him."
Azerban was shocked at how quickly the man came to his point and how bold he appeared. He wondered if he was bluffing. Could the Kebar spies be so good? Or was he skilled enough to determine Takur was indeed lying?
Ta'araki stayed silent for a long while before allowing a small smile to grow between his thin, cracked lips.
So the Kebar have won the first round, Azerban thought.
"It's possible I could find your man, Kebar," Takur conceded. "But why should I help you after you attacked our Camp, destroyed our property, threatened and injured my people?"
The man returned the smile. "Ahhh... We've come to the point then. I told you this meeting could be short. Perhaps before we continue however, you'll allow me an introduction. I am Vidai, First Leader of East River Side of the Kebar, son of Vinrai, previous First Leader of East River Side. To my left is Ufek, father of Ufli, who you are currently holding captive. To my right is Urvet, Ufek's eldest son." He held out both hands with palms facing up, a custom his people shared with the Natu.
Azerban's thoughts turned back to his youth. As a boy he'd once accompanied his father to one of the nearby Kebar camps, back when their peoples traded regularly. He knew that although the Kebar were nomadic in the summer, they identified their groupings by the locations in which they wintered. He thought Vidai looked familiar. Back then, he would have been a young man. Azerban's mind raced, trying to remember all those blurry faces so long ago.
Takur took the man's hands. To do anything else would break the laws of the Great Earth Mother, who he still respected enough to honor in this small manner. "Greetings, Vidai. I am Takur, First Ta'araki of the Natu, Ta'araki of Boar Camp of the Natu, chosen of the Ta'ar to lead the Natu, son of Nemak, Master Healer of Boar Camp of the Natu." Although he honored the old customs in greeting Vidai, he ignored the two other men, which was considered quite rude. By the expression on their faces, it was plain all three took offence at the slight. He continued without meeting their eyes, "This is Asek, Master Trader of Boar Camp of the Natu." Asek nodded and smiled slightly. "This is Sakon, Master Defender of Boar Camp of the Natu." Sakon's upper lip distorted as he nodded almost imperceptibly. Takur then gestured to Azerban and Hadir, who were still standing to the side. "This is Azerban, Second Ta'araki of Boar Camp of the Natu, and Hadir, Third Ta'araki of Boar Camp."
Azerban walked over to the men and offered his hands. All three took them and nodded. Hadir followed his lead.
After allowing the greeting, Takur continued, "I see you’ve brought no food or water. I will have some provided. We will share a meal as we discuss further."
"We would be honored," Vidai responded.
"Please sit down." Takur then called in one of the hunters standing outside and directed him to bring meat and water.
The three Kebar men sat on the floor of the shelter with their legs folded beneath them. "Before we begin discussions over Ufek's son," Takur began, "we demand an explanation as to why we've been attacked."
Vidai shifted uneasily. Azerban wondered as to his answer. Surely he must have known he'd be expected to account for his camp's actions. But Ufek, the father of the captive Ufli, spoke next, directing his words to the Kebar leader. Azerban understood only a word or two, but guessed he'd heard his name and was asking what was being said. Vidai answered him in the Kebar tongue and the man seemed satisfied with the answer, although he and his son both also looked uncomfortable.
"It was the unfortunate actions of a few hot-headed young men. It was not condoned. I apologize for the transgression." Azerban marveled at his ease with the Natu words. Clearly this was a man of great intellect and capacity for foreign tongues.
Takur thought carefully before speaking. "Young men often act immaturely. However, this was not the first attack upon one of our camps. Our two peoples were once friendly, Vidai. Why have yours chosen violence against us?"
Vidai also paused before answering, "Your youths attack our camps too. Let’s not forget that. But the truth is some do not believe you belong here. The lands you've chosen were once our hunting grounds. Some would like to use them again."
Sakon butted in angrily, "So it is true you wish us to leave?" Takur looked annoyed, but waited for Vidai to answer.
"Some do wish that."
"And you?" Takur asked.
"If it is the Mother's wish that you leave, then eventually it will be so," he answered.
Ufek's frustration at not being able to understand finally got the better of him. He barked a few Kebar words at Vidai, one of which Azerban remembered as translate. In return, the elder man stared him down until his gaze turned to the ground. Azerban listened carefully as the old leader explained to his escorts what had previously been said, trying to identify mor
e comprehensible words.
"Your man looks agitated," Takur said, after waiting for them to finish. "Perhaps he doesn't share your confidence in the Mother's will."
"He has confidence in my will. Forgive him his interruption," Vidai said. He continued to translate to his men as the conversation furthered.
Takur nodded. "I understand his desire to see his son safe. That is a desire our peoples share. And yet I still don't understand why your people wish us to leave. We have long shared these lands in peace. There is plenty, for both peoples. You know we don't always camp in the same place. We often wander to other places to allow the lands to replenish."
"Yet you mark the lands with your structures. Many of my people, especially the younger ones, see this as an offense." Vidai answered neutrally. "Do you claim these lands for your own, Takur?"
Understanding bled over Azerban. Although their mudbrick shelters largely dissolved during the winter season they were much more permanent than the thatched huts made of large branches and bone draped with leather that the Kebar were still using. He could see how they might see them as a claim on shared lands. He opened his mouth to answer the Kebar leader, but thought better of it. Takur was doing a good job of teasing out the motivations behind the Kebar actions. However, his acolyte couldn't control his tongue so easily. "Our shelters will eventually melt," Hadir said. "We’ll have to repair them when we return next spring. Surely, you understand they aren't a claim."
"It is not your shelters that bother my people, Third Ta'araki! Do you deny the stones to the northeast - which you cut from the Mother's belly and erect unnaturally - aren't proof of your claim?"
Azerban forgot his annoyance with Hadir's outburst, as a deeper understanding of the man's concern swept over him. So it’s the Great Temple which offends them. He had to admit, the Temple was a permanent structure. It could definitely be seen as a claim. But the Natu never meant it as such.
